Using revenues generated from the sales of Green Tags, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), a not-for-profit organization, accepts proposals for funding for renewable energy projects located in the Pacific Northwest (OR, WA, ID, MT). Any private person, organization, local or tribal government located in the Pacific Northwest may participate. Projects that generate electricity are preferred. Acceptable projects include solar photovoltaics, solar thermal electric, wind, hydro, biomass and animal waste-to-energy. Idaho is unique in that BEF's projects there are allied with Idaho Power.

BEF may deliver funding through various means, including grants, loans, convertible loans, guarantees, and direct investments in renewable energy projects. BEF renewable energy grants and investments may range from a few thousand dollars for small installations, to significant investments in central station grid-connected renewable energy projects. If a BEF grant is requested for a generating project, the BEF share generally does not exceed $20,000 and 33% of total capital costs and 0% of operating costs.

To be considered for funding for a project, please visit the web site and download information regarding the submittal of a Letter of Enquiry.

BEF generally does not fund residential and small business renewable energy projects with grants or investments. Rather, BEF supports installations for residential and small businesses customers through two cooperatives: the Northwest Solar Cooperative and Our Wind Co-op.

Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.[1]